More Backstage News On The WWE NXT Changes

Source: The Wrestling Observer

— As noted earlier, WWE is reportedly keeping the plans for the Brock Lesnar vs. Triple H feud under wraps. Only Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, John Laurinaitis, Triple H, Brock Lesnar, Paul Heyman and a few more are aware of the plans and not even the creative team have been informed on the storyline’s specific direction. The top WWE names claim that their match will not happen at SummerSlam, though others still say the match will go down in August. This also deals with WWE recently “planting” stories. We hope to have more shortly.

— WWE began moving toward the NXT change when Titus O’Neil & Darren Young were moved to SmackDown in April, which left Derrick Bateman as the sole “Rookie” left on the show. It isn’t yet clear on whether the company will continue releasing NXT episodes online via YouTube, nor is it known whether WWE has obtained a new TV deal for the show.

The tapings for SmackDown are expected to go as a dark match, Superstars taping and then SmackDown, so basically the same as before without NXT. The plan is to allow developmental talent to perform in a more intimate setting, with a crowd mostly made-up of college students who are more likely to react well to the talent. In addition, WWE will be able to focus more on the tapings instead of ignoring it in favor of putting the finishing touches on SmackDown.

Florida Championship Wrestling has not acknowledged the change, with the only indirect acknowledgement being a note on their events page that says “No FCW Arena Live Event” on May 17th, the first day of the change.

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